BRICKLAYING, How to pic and dip... Why I use this technique!!

So here's a more in depth video on why I like using this technique and how to do it! hope this helps anyone trying this out!

[@benwilliams1172]

hi I have been in the game for 40 years ( 56 yrs old) and I like to watch KZbin for tips and techniques . I do my own labouring as well as laying. watched your download on pick and dip, and decided to give it a go. couldn't stop smiling all day. never had such a easy day, maybe I will stay in the game another 20 !

[@CharlieCollison]

Thats made my day 😊 Good luck in the future 👍🏻👌

[@itsmewayne428]

Old dog new tricks..brilliant to hear

[@patrickd4699]

My grandfather taught me the "pick and dip" technique with a "shove joint". He always said it was best to use this technique when laying brick with a high rate of absorption because it was less strain on your wrist and elbow. He started in the masonry trade at the age of 9 working in a brickyard during the great depression. He worked in the trade till he was 74 years old and passed away.

[@ron1martens]

Patrick D my father immigrated to Australia in the 1950s and became a builder. We bricked a few houses in the 1970s. My father would get a scoop of mortar and grab the brick with his other hand like the pick and dip. I now lay bricks my own way knocking them down with a Thor hammer. I'm not doing production generally small jobs.

[@christophirelad9636]

Legend

[@markbutler805]

Top man from fellow bricklayer

[@cluxycluck1557]

Been laying bricks for over 15 years.. Tried this the other day! Its definitely, easier, quicker and more efficient overall, hardest part is keeping the perps full but it takes practice to master it! Definitely wont go back now!

[@stephenprideaux8122]

Thanks Charli still laying a few bricks at age 75 , already went with smaller trowel , especially when reaching high and now I am using Pick andDip definitely easier , pity I never heard of it all those years ago. Excellent teaching vid ,thanks Steve 4:32

[@brucerewa105]

I'm not a bricklayer I'm a carpenter from maine, but I like learning new things especially from someone that knows what their doing like you great vid thanks from the us

[@originalface320]

Fantastic point about the weight of silo muck and trowel size mate. Working smarter like that makes a huge difference to your body after years grafting. We've all seen the effects on site. When the young roofers are told "always wear proper knee pads" they won't have any of it, too much of a pain in the arse they say. Then you point out 'old Steve' who's been doing the same for years and now struggles to get out the van or up the ladder and has a knew knee at 50! Your body is your trade at the end of the day. Great vids by the way mate. Nice to see you taking the time to pass on the skills.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

you only get issued one body - look after it. I was down the pit for 30 years and I wish I had - totally knackered now

[@johnmunro8127]

Hi Charlie. Im an English bricklayer in Sweden. 2 years now working for a Swedish bricklaying company. They taught me the pic and dip method at the beginning along with using a different design of trowel that you carnt get in the uk, makes it even easier on the arms and wrist. Every think you say is correct regarding why its a more efficient method. Keep up the great work !

[@guywren4801]

Any chance of a link to the trowel you use.

[@johnmunro8127]

@@guywren4801 Kgc fasadslev 110x330 preben

[@guywren4801]

@@johnmunro8127 Thanks - very different

[@darringodden7225]

As an older tradesman nearly all the neat and efficient bricklayers I have worked with used small trowels. When you need to work untill 70 you have to look after your joints.good video

[@harveysmith100]

The fastest trowel I ever worked with had a 10" trowel that had worn down to about 8". I never met anyone that could keep up with him. This fashion for big trowels is just storing up a lot of early retirements.

[@handycrowd]

When I first started Charlie, about 35 years ago, I struggled like heck to try and catch up with this little old fellah they had on the team. He had a trowel which was about worn down to the tang, but jeeze could he get them down. Now I see why, he was using this technique and just plodding on, brick after brick with no wasted movement. He used to laugh at us young uns’ with our massive trowels rushing about. No wonder!

[@anthonyadams268]

I'm not even a bricklayer but there's just something relaxing about the art of it, I'm a plasterer myself and get into some shit situations with the job, you make it look easy sir well done.

[@jonno-cr8lv]

This will go down as the best brick laying video ever made... a true master of the trade.. doing it in his stride

[@InfiniteEchos]

I've only been laying a few months but have recently started using/teaching myself this method. Very quick and easy to learn and the results speak for themselves 👌🏻

[@jamietalbot7254]

I had severe sciatica mate where I was on 300 mg pregabalin a day and 6 to 8 ibuprofen when I was laying long beds and perping every brick. Since I watched your first vid on pic n dip I switched to it. Took me a good few months to get the technique and now I'm as fast if not faster that I ever was. Massive thanks to you mate. Mate my work enjoyable again

[@CharlieCollison]

J.L.T BRICKLAYING CONTRACTORS things like this make me glad I’ve made the video 😊 glad to hear it!

[@jamietalbot7254]

@@CharlieCollison fair play mukka👍🏻

[@beardedbricky7834]

J.L.T BRICKLAYING CONTRACTORS yyyyyeeeeeewwwwwww!!! Glad to hear back at it pain free!

[@jamietalbot7254]

@@beardedbricky7834 cheers pal👍🏻

[@kebabtank]

Good for you mate!

[@patrickbarry8374]

Hey Charlie, Love the videos man. I am also a bricklayer, but from New England, U.S. Its interesting to read some of the criticism you've received over the use of the pick and dip method. Over here, it is a must. Companies frown on guys who spread the wall, or use the full bed method, as it is surely less efficient; those guys tend to get laid off first. Around here, about 95% of the guys use the pick and dip method. If a guy spreads the whole wall first and still has a job, he tends to work his ass off and works frantically to keep up with the level of productivity needed. You should look into a book by Frank Gilbreth, called The Bricklaying System. It was written in 1909 I believe and goes over the pick and dip method of laying brick. He calls this method the "Eastern Method" and the full bed method "The Western Method". Frank provides a practical breakdown of the steps and movements of each method, and shows how one method involves 18 steps, while the pick and dip is limited to 4 or 5. Anyway, Its an interesting book and definitely supports the method you are showcasing. Keep up the videos. Looking smooth brotha.

[@CharlieCollison]

Patrick Barry This is a great message for people who havent seen or heard of this technique. And yes I own that exact book. I’m always trying to learn and that book opened up a new way of thinking for me! It’s quite frustrating when your trying to help people and there so ignorant they can’t see it! But more fool them😊Thanks for the comment 👌🏼

[@BC-mm3ki]

How many u lay a day over there ? Bet it’s not a lot we lay 1600 on average a day as a 2 and 1

[@CharlieCollison]

B C I’m showing this to male people’s life easier. I have a video where I lay 1800 by 2 with this technique. Everyone has there own speed when it comes to laying bricks. All I’m doing is showing there a less stressful way of doing it. Try it for a few weeks before you judge it

[@patrickbarry8374]

@@BC-mm3ki Yeah, we don't generally get those numbers. 1600-1800 is quite a bit. Sand cast brick that joint up easy and lay easy, guys can get 1300- 1400 a day or so. It also is very dependent on how many openings there are of course. We also don't use profiles, which makes things a bit slower for sure. If anything, we tend to run jack lines or plumb lines for the corners. Again, This slows down production as well because you need to be mindful of not pulling your corner apart. Also, Because of the harsh freeze and thaw cycles over here, we lay a lot of waterstruck brick, which are fired quite hot and are really hard and have very low absorption(sometimes a two hour wait before they can be jointed neatly). These tend to be extremely irregular and involve a bit more finesse and proper gaging of ones mortar; numbers drop a bit with these brick, unless you are used to laying them all the time. Mortar gaging becomes pertinent because the wall can go out of plumb quite fast, as the brick tend to swim if ones not experienced. Anyway, interesting to hear different takes on laying brick.

[@patrickbarry8374]

@@CharlieCollison Sure thing. Great book! And yeah, some folks just take offense and simply don't want to evolve. I gained the most knowledge by watching many different styles of bricklaying over the years and then being open to adopt subtle changes to my technique. Everyones got something to offer, whether it is what to do or what not to do. To this day, the best brickies in my opinion are the fat fellas on the corners, who look like they aren't working hard. They tend put the brick in the wall with the least amount of steps.

[@pjf18]

I've had my eyes opened. This looks so much cleaner and efficient that spreading the bed for the whole course. Thanks mate. Will be trying this on the next one.

[@duncanhalstead2798]

Been a bricklayer for over thirty year and never tried This technique until a day ago . Converted 👍🏻

[@johno-gb7ci]

Are you still pic&dipping

[@dreadpirateroberts4052]

I tell you something mate.....I’ve watched hundreds of bricklaying videos where they show you how to “butter up” the ends of the brick before it’s laid, the shunting of the mortar to the perp of the previously laid brick is a f****** brilliant way to go. As for the advice on trowel size-brilliant, I never knew there was a choice of size to start with. Excellent video , thanks.

[@HalifaxGreen]

Well Charlie you definitely proved a couple of points in this video.... #1- we learn something new every day and #2- working smarter not harder is always best. Thank you from a new sub and fellow bricklayer from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada !! Cheers Mate !!!

[@stevehornberger6675]

This is an awesome concept! I’ve been a mason for 22 years and I’m going to try this for now. Thanks man!

[@maddog-na3685]

I used to do alot of bricklaying i was never qualified or done an apprenticeship and am now a sparks years later but watching these vids makes me miss it so much great video mate

[@johntenhave1]

Charlie, you are a machine! You make that look so easy. great video, thank you.

[@guitarlover302]

Make it look so easy - as I know it isn’t ! Very professional - pleasure to watch 👌

[@kib-buildltdbricklayinglan6049]

Seen one of your other videos where you used pick n dip to do 4” blockwork. Tried it today, what a game changer! Converted

[@mikejames663]

Best demonstration of pick and dip, 72, been laying since 15, (last couple of years, odd jobs for family now and again, luv it).

[@patzopasbesoindelesavoir218]

Now I gotta give it a try ! I'm always looking for ways to make life easier! 🤪 Bricklaying in Montreal Canada for the past 20years ! Cheers!

[@michaelberry1793]

I enjoy your channel 50 times more than any other bricklayer on KZbin.

[@alexwilliams6547]

I use the pick and dip here in the states. Guys looked at me and thought I was weird. But I laid just as much but not moving as fast. Ace work!!!

[@jamesfearnley646]

Nice job mate been thinking of trying pick and dip after seeing Rob Singer doing it Very well explained thanks geezer

[@beardedbricky7834]

Looking smooth as ever. Love watching your videos and enjoy learning new things every time I watch!! Great job bro!!! Keep up the good work!!!👊👏👍💪🤙

[@jonnygti]

Fair play to you, there’s no way I could do this day in day out! It must kill your arms and wrists, doing the same movements with both hands, especially the hand that picks up a brick. Not easy at all! Kudos to you👌🏻👍🏻

[@jeremykieffer7660]

Love it Bro. Ive been refining this technique for the past 2 years and it is by far the best method. I find im relaxed and flowing VS scrambling and pounding. Takes a bit to get used too but when you do its Zen!!! Great vid Bro

[@sebsewell6250]

I was thinking the exact same after trying it recently you really do feel way calmer

[@petemason57]

I am too old now to DIY brick lay but sure wish I knew this method in my day.Great job.

[@kevocos]

Definitely looks easier on the hands and the finished work looks absolutely spot on.

[@g1998k]

Great video. Many thanks for pointing out this amazing technique.

[@gaary1969]

thanks charlie, we are never too old to learn,

[@bobbuilder81]

Lovely mate and well explained 👍🏻 I’m still trying to adapt to this method but I’m getting there , and my tennis elbow is nearly gone away!

[@reeces7224]

A combo of pick and dip, profile set ups and higher mortar stands. I’m making hell of a lot more money on price and going home less tired. keep the tips coming man 👌🏼

[@Frenchwine15]

I agree with you about large trowels and I never buy anything bigger than an eleven inch London narrow pattern. I personally like to do a nice even spread but I can see where you are coming from. Must say that looks a super brick and good to see you are laying them the correct way up. Nice to hear that like me speed is not the be all and end all those bricks are going to be there for a very long time and want laying right first time. Looks nice and straight to just right for jointing with a rail runner.

[@garethjones5624]

The way your laying the bricks is the best way , I worked with a competition Bricklayer and he did just the same , 💪

[@flapjackfred]

Tried this yesterday Totally converted Nice one mate Complete fluke I come across your video Cheers for posting

[@Mxloss]

Wow that's amazing video ,I am doing my level 2 now and I will defo practise your technique.🙏🏽

[@garyfreebairn4808]

Definitely giving that a try on Monday 😃 just downsized to a 10 inch trowel it arrived this morning

[@chrisdavies8046]

Fair play he doesn't even make the bed but places the brick bang without even having to tap it I prefer stone work couldn't really get on with brick laying but this guy has got it down to an art.

[@brickbybric]

Nice video Charlie. Pick and dip is definitely a less stressful faster bricklaying technique. Most mainland European bricklayers use it.

[@ronniebiggs4026]

Very intelligent explanation and you can’t knock it 👍🧱💪

[@nowthenad3286]

Great video, especially the slow motion. Thank you.

[@andycampbell7302]

I find it interesting when watching KZbin of all the English bricklayers that can’t spin the brick in the palm of their hand, need to throw it the air & catch it. This was one of the first things I learnt as an apprentice

[@chris68213]

It's a great method. Especially when Bricks are very dry. With a lot of suction. I've been using it for years.

[@patrickd4699]

Same here. One of many techniques my grandfather taught me.

[@POKERDEAL]

Laying this way is a skill as it’s easy to smear the face and speedboat the previous brick laid with pushing a bed to perp but 20 bricks is 20 trips from wall to materials so totally agree it’s quicker.

[@StanOwden]

Can I just say that camera man’s got the best job on site!

[@abyssals899]

I''m a 2nd year in New Zealand, and sometimes get on then trowel when I am ahead with the labouring (5-1 gang).Tried this the other day and it works well for me since its pretty hot over here and the mud dries out pretty quick for someone still learning the trade, thanks mate

[@turbosloth8575]

Abyssals how shit are those 70mm wide bricks tho

[@oldboy5001]

Gotta try this. Looks to be much more efficient, once you've mastered it of course.

[@andrewdavies1807]

Tried this method yesterday for the first time, much easier for me like 👌

[@roamingnomad3054]

My husband worked in Germany 17 years ago learnt this technique used it for 10 years on UK site's never looked back. He got many confused looks over the years but numbers and body joint's matter👍

[@redflag8970]

Ye my mate lived in Germany at this is how he came back laying

[@wumpty93]

@@redflag8970 Why does Germany always show up the UK. Man I wish I could move over there, thanks Boris for ending freedom of movement with the EU 🤬

[@identitywithheld1027]

This is the best demonstration I've seen on youtube.

[@aidanmccabe1981]

The best brickie on KZbin I reckon

[@BC-mm3ki]

Haha coz none on price work all day work

[@aidanmccabe1981]

@@BC-mm3ki please put up a vid of you getting 1000 in a day then pal👍

[@flashdavey]

Top stuff m8y. Wish I’d learnt this 20 years ago. Think I’d be physically in a better state 👍

[@joshuadavies7567]

Brilliant video very interesting I do like that technique

[@HW-op7pq]

Top video mate, quality work

[@roses2444]

New to the Channel , love it man ! Keep them coming .

[@bonanzatime]

I'm an old fart, so I appreciate your choice of music for this presentation. It takes me back to the 1970s. at the shopping mall. Cheers from USA👍

[@bonanzatime]

@@martin2466 🙋Thank you much! .. Retired from brick and block, but still working🙁😉.... Thank Gawd! And President Trump!!👍👍

[@bonanzatime]

@@martin2466 Well it's a little complex,- I'm 56 years old, and haven't worked the last 4 years because of a botched foot surgery (there's no way I can continue like before the failed surgery aka Butchery). So yes, the last 4 years I have lost 90% of my life's savings. But last month I got a great job repairing tile for the government with great benefits; so far I can handle it😉. And hopefully it will sustain me until I can retire.. If the election were held 'today' Trump most definitely would be re-elected.. If the Democrats and 'media' keep digging their graves with their teeth and insulting the American peoples' intelligence with their petty-whining and hypocrite-antics, it will be a landslide for Trump.. jmo. ..... I didn't vote for him originally because I thought he would start a war, but he has actually made the world safer since taking office, so he has earned my vote for re-election.

[@bonanzatime]

@@martin2466 Thank you, Sir🙏 Stay healthy and enjoy your retirement for many many more years to come. God Bless ya.👍

[@jaseh4381]

Ive been a bricklayer for 31 years i love your video’s and stu cromptons , try the same methods with some of the horrible 73mm brick i have to use to blend in to existing houses you definitely wont be able to lay them as quick without mortar staining the face of the brick

[@harveysmith100]

Have a look at Rob Songer's videos. The art of bricklaying is being preserved by this trowel.

[@markhep]

You make that way work for you very well mate nice work 👍👍👍

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Really good video - thanks for sharing 👍

[@JimJimpmjj]

New subscriber, watched all your videos, great to see a new video. Please keep them coming, very helpful and informative 👍 thanks 👍

[@maxstaber9397]

I like when you said personal preference because many people are biased and don’t understand this concept

[@hendosbricklaying2003]

love it mate. Cheers from Aus.

[@smallcarpentry]

Great video again mate!

[@xops9936]

Cheers Charlie, I’ll give it a go when I get back to college👍

[@shanehakanson6404]

cool Man.! we get smarter as we get older 😂 Love the tunes Cobber.! Hako from 🇦🇺

[@frankbrooker6569]

So relaxed and neat. Fair play

[@nathanwyatt3113]

Really like it when you expound on your tricks

[@philipallmond2157]

i do the same but with a thinner bed, i pull the brick back along the bed to provide a full perp. dead right about elbow pain, when your young you dont think of it but after a few years to pain kicks in. Also it dont matter really how fast ! you are, it how organised you are that makes the money.

[@scoyle1750]

Have tried this a few times but struggle to fill perp I suppose practice makes perfect, after tea break I will give it another blast, keep up the great work Charlie 👍

[@CharlieCollison]

wheaten bread yea it’s not as easy as it looks. Keep trying 👍🏻

[@commentsareturnedoff.698]

It started at 6-1 speed difference. But after 20 bricks its was 20 -27. So still only 7 bricks lead. However there's much to be said about the advantage of squishing a brick into fresh muck. Especially with dryer stocks on hot days. Pick n dip ensures each brick gets stuck down nicely without the muck going off on you.

[@baldyslapnut.]

7 ahead for every 20 is pretty compelling odds for me. That's a huge advantage over a career laying hundreds per day.

[@jeffreybresnahan]

There are video's on KZbin of two veteren British Bricklayers, who have worked for 45 year's in the trade. They are City & Guild's time served who changed to this technique, to both lay fast bricks and save on physical exercision on the body! They picked up the technique while working on site in both Germany and Holland, they are great bricklayers.

[@stuartjones1982]

Well said Geoff. I've been pic n dipping for a year or so. So much better on the body.

[@leeedwards3783]

Can I have a link to them mate? Cheers

[@jeffreybresnahan]

I will attempt to search out the video, as I watched it early last year?

[@jeffreybresnahan]

The KZbin video's are "glenn veness bricklaying" He wears a white dress suit in the video's, and has several brickie video's which are full of good advice!!

[@jeffreybresnahan]

Glenn veness "bricklaying made easy," video's!!

[@acoughlanbrickworks6565]

Good stuff bud. Got an idea for a vid. Wear a step counter or fit bit over two days. One pic and dip and the other traditional. On two gable ends or something similar. Would Be an interesting result.

[@ivanmingay7315]

Love the vids chap and I’m now using the pick & dip method on long runs so much easier and faster love it 👍. I just need to find a 8”trowel now. 😂 Keep the vids coming 💥

[@kingschmoopy6583]

If hard to find, could just buy a 10" and use a grinder to shape it down

[@JamesRobinson-ut6yl]

Hi Charlie, muck, I like that word,we in New Zealand call it mud. Never heard of siloh mortar before, I take it's still Sand and cement, what kind of Sand is it. You are an efficient brick layer bro,no problems with holes when pointing. Good to have good staff around you to, people who can anticipate before you do. Thanks again for sharing, see you in the next video.

[@TopCatsBack]

Sometimes the silo muck is crushed stone instead of sand .

[@JamesRobinson-ut6yl]

Thanks bro.

[@thehalfnam4331]

And the mixer on a silo adds a lot less air to the mortar than regular cement mixers making it denser

[@thomasarmstrong1686]

Ontario Canada we call it mud too. It’s intriguing to me the different names around the world.

[@amandaisbell4318]

I’ve used an 11 inch my entire career and my elbow and wrist kill me everyday for about past 5 years or so even now i don’t lay much anymore but my body still feels it everyday. I tried getting used to a smaller trowel but could never feel right with it. I am starting to like this pick and dip method though. Makes a lot of sense even though I’m pretty traditional

[@harryyoung7163]

I’m a scaffolder and I’m enjoying this video😳 must be the music 😎

[@BoSSLeVeLs]

Sitting as a disabled bricklayer Watching you at 4:30 am how life’s changed lol

[@benkimber8285]

I’ve used the for the last two weeks on and off on easy parts. Little straight runs ect, I got bored of how easy it was, in a good way, like no effort what so ever. No running up and down the line spreading a massive bed out. It’s just effortless. I’m not tidy when I’m doing it a lot of muck is going down the back compared with the traditional way. I need to work on getting fuller perps and not letting the muck get down the back tbh. But yeah massive game changer mate thanks. Honestly boys give this a go nothing will ache the next day absolute madness! Can we see pick n dip with 4” ? 😂

[@marks-0-0]

With pick and dip it looks like you get better contact with the brick and mortar especially with the perp due to squeezing the muck more.

[@ryedstephen]

Hi Charlie used to call this drag and drop back in the days good vids cheers

[@supayamum]

Pick and dip is much better on wrists. I’m an Australian bricklayer and have had surgery on my wrist for repetitive stress injuries.

[@jamesnewton6160]

Tried it out today mate. Just got to get used to it. Perps were a bit big and top empty etc. But hoddy did say it seemed faster. Need to get a smaller trowel to get the wrist benefits.

[@stuarthiggins188]

Great technique to use👍🏻

[@mickmullins4257]

Used this method in Germany as they do.Also first used it 40 yrs ago.It's especially effective when laying frog up.

[@tecnorider67]

I seen this method with 2 German Bricklayer’s doing it in Hanover . They where both ‘pushing ` so the guy on the right hand side started from his corner and the guguy on the left started in the middle of the wall. Me and my mate just stood there watching and leanering. It’s easily the best methods especially when the weather is hot as you have not got a long bed of muck going off in front of you. Cool video mate . Hope your earning p,entry of dollar.

[@peacejoy8155]

Work smarter, not harder. Great Technic!

[@richardwhiting299]

Great stuff...how much muck goes down the cavity ? Dose It smears the face of the brick..?

[@darreningram299]

👍Alway a pleasure to watch bud

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

I’m not a bricklayer but it just looks so much easier and seems to make a lot more sense. Do you have to put a bigger bed down to be able to squeeze the mortar up into the vertical joints?

[@mikehopkins4040]

Quite relaxing just watching before I go too bed.

[@lmilne4859]

Great video Charlie

[@ChrisBrown-fx1bq]

I'll have to try this method next time I'm on a long stretch. Do you find there is a lot of excess mortar on the back of the brick doing this method? I tend to scrape the excess of each brick both face and back side as I'm going. I'm also going to have to invest in some profiles!

[@dave29123]

The video appears to show that the pic and dip method is faster on a long, straight run of wall. Is this method equally faster on shorter, curved wall lengths and/or lengths of varying layout (ex. straight, then curved, then straight again)? Are there circumstances under which you think the traditional method would be superior?

[@craigohalloran5083]

How full are your perps on the back? Did it take you long to get used to switching techniques? I've always messed about doing it but may give it a go in some foundations I'm due to start.

[@stevesmith3850]

Do you find it easier working from the left or right or is it the same,im left handed and prefer to work left to left when I'm coming out of footing upto about waist height then switch from right to left

[@lewiscain2665]

I’m definitely going to give this a go next week